Figuring out the OFA URC7980

3FG · Post by **3FG** » Thu May 26, 2016 10:08 pm

If it really does use a new communication protocol, we may not be able to crack it. And, there is the possibility that this particular remote is defective, in which case no amount of experimentation will succeed.

However, if I understand the situation correctly the 7980 is programmable from a Bluetooth app. Perhaps it needs a Bluetooth command to put it into wired communication mode, or perhaps it isn't intended to be upgraded via the 6 pin connector at all.

All in all, with our current knowledge, it seems like low odds to crack it, at least quickly.

loft · Post by **loft** » Fri May 27, 2016 1:49 am

Thanks guys for all the help!
I will just live with my undocumented acquisition and extend its functionality via the buttons.

Post by **mathdon** » Fri May 27, 2016 4:36 am

3FG wrote:If it really does use a new communication protocol, we may not be able to crack it. And, there is the possibility that this particular remote is defective, in which case no amount of experimentation will succeed.

I'm not a hardware expert so may not be much help if it really is a new communication protocol, but I have ordered one of these that should arrive tomorrow. At least it will rule out a defective remote and will give me something to experiment with.

loft · Post by **loft** » Fri May 27, 2016 4:43 pm

Tonight, while using the remote, I noticed that its LED's are flashing 6 times whenever I push a button (instead of once). Any reason why this would happen now?

3FG · Post by **3FG** » Fri May 27, 2016 6:01 pm

One cause could be the batteries are getting weak.

loft · Post by **loft** » Tue May 31, 2016 10:51 am

mathdon, any news regarding your recent acquisition?

Post by **The Robman** » Tue May 31, 2016 1:06 pm

He's working on it but having problems with it. We will report back when there's news.

Post by **The Robman** » Mon Jun 06, 2016 3:32 pm

Btw, there is a seller on ebay who has this remote for the relatively cheap price of $45 with free international shipping from London.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331818883686

loft · Post by **loft** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 9:25 am

I don't want to insist too much but, giving that the subject interest me very much...
Did you guys manage anything?

Post by **The Robman** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 12:01 pm

I can tell you that Graham and the gang have been working hard on this behind the scenes and have made some major breakthroughs. You were correct that the remote uses a new communication protocol and a new processor.

I think Graham's still a few weeks away from having something for you to try though.

Post by **mathdon** » Fri Jun 17, 2016 11:44 am

Just to add to Rob's comment, the major obstacles have all been solved. We now know what has to be done, but the new communication protocol requires jp12serial to be updated, the new processor requires RMIR to be updated, so I hope you see why it is taking some time.

Rob is right about the timescale, it will be a few weeks before there is a public beta version for you to test - not more than three weeks, I hope, but I have limited time available at present due to other commitments.

loft · Post by **loft** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 11:41 am

Thank you very much guys for your answers and for all your hard work! I was just curious what is going on. No rush here.
One more question though: no need for new cables, right?

Post by **mathdon** » Sun Jun 19, 2016 12:40 pm

loft wrote:One more question though: no need for new cables, right?

It needs the same cable as JP1.4 and JP2, the main requirement being that it has an FTDI chip rather than a Prolific one.

jts321835 · Post by **jts321835** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:08 am

Sorry if this is a silly question, I have one of these remote and would very much like to tweak it, I am looking to purchase a cable, can anyone either provide one, or a link to one, sorry if this appears lazy, would just rather get it right first time.

Thanks for your responses in advance.

Post by **The Robman** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:26 am

This is the one that we recommend:
https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16360

JP1 Remotes

Figuring out the OFA URC7980

Cable